India, UAE push for stable West Asia amid trade concerns

India and the UAE have reaffirmed their commitment to maintaining uninterrupted trade flows as tensions simmer in West Asia, officials said following bilateral discussions in Mumbai on Tuesday. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar met his UAE counterpart Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan to review the state of bilateral ties and address shared concerns over regional security.

Jaishankar expressed India's deep apprehension about the escalating situation in West Asia, underscoring New Delhi's interest in supporting diplomatic efforts aimed at restoring peace and stability in the strategically vital region. The minister emphasised the importance of ensuring that commercial corridors and maritime trade routes remain unimpeded despite geopolitical tensions.

The meeting highlighted the strengthening partnership between India and the UAE across multiple sectors, with both nations viewing stable West Asian conditions as essential for regional prosperity. Trade and investment links between the two countries have expanded significantly, making security and predictability critical for sustained economic growth.

The discussions reflected India's delicate diplomatic balancing act in West Asia, where it maintains extensive economic and energy ties while advocating for de-escalation and adherence to international norms. Both countries reiterated their commitment to collaborative efforts aimed at promoting regional peace through dialogue and multilateral cooperation.